Launch Failure
Liftoff Time (GMT)
21:25:00
Wednesday August 17, 2011
The third ignition of the Briz-M stage is realized with an incorrect orientation. The DTB tank of the stage is released at the planned time, but on a non-nominal orbit. The fourth ignition is also badly oriented, and the fifth did not occur. The mission is thus a failure. The Ekspress AM4 satellite is not usable, and it's not possible to make it reach a usable orbit. It is voluntarily deorbited on March 25, 2012.
The Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC) has selected a team of Khrunichev Space Center and Astrium to build the Ekspress-AM 4 communications satellite. Ekspress-AM 4, to be delivered late 2010 and positioned at 80°E, is by far the largest Express satellite ever ordered. RSCC is focused primarily on the development of satellite communications and the broadcasting network in the Russian Federation to secure the common information space across the country. RSCC currently operates 11 satellites from 14°W to 145°E in geostationary orbit, and is currently looking for high power satellites to complement the existing fleet and fulfil growing needs for satellite capacity. Express AM4 will use Astrium's Eurostar-3000 satellite design. The satellite will be delivered in orbit by Khrunichev Space Center using the Proton launch vehicle. It will be equipped with a 63 active transponders operating in L, C, Ku and Ka bands at a payload power of 14 kW for its planned 15-year service life in orbit. Its ten antennas will provide high performance coverage over the Russian Federation and the CIS countries and its steerable antennas can be used to provide communication to any point within the satellite's visibility.
Geostationary Transfer Orbit
1 Payload
5,775 kilograms
Manufacturer
KhrunichevPrice
$65.00 million
Rocket
Height: 58.18m
Payload to Orbit
LEO: 21,000 kg
GTO: 6,900 kg
Liftoff Thrust
10,027 Kilonewtons
Fairing
Diameter: 4.35m
Height: 15.26m
Stages
4
53rd
Mission
3rd
Mission of 2011
46th
Orbital launch attempt